true tartan hose (not diced+lines)

[Dixiecat]

Dressmaking on the bias is an interesting experience and can result in garments several sizes too small

I'm sure you mean 'too large' not too small.

[Ryan Ross]

First off, you simply use tied garters; not the elastic ones that are so common today. The tied ones, I've found, are much more comfortable, anyway! Second, if the hose are made correctly, they're actually really comfortable. I had a pair once that I wore out. I need to make another. You're right about the lack of stretch, though. The sewn hose do need to be a little loose, and not skin tight like we're used to in modern woven hose.

Right on. Cadadh don't even have to look all that loose, depending on the foot shape of the wearer and how good the pattern they've made for themself is. Lamar Britt, for example, learned to make them from Bob Martin and makes the very best fitting ones I've ever seen. I swear, you can't even tell they're not knit.

I promise you, these things are cadadh:

[David White]

Here is a pair I made some years back.
I don't know why the colors in the photo are so bad-they are actually red and black, but you get the idea

[Pleater]

I'm sure you mean 'too large' not too small.

No - what happens is the fabric extends under the influence of gravity, and the horizontal measurements reduce. Bias cut fabric really is a whole different system of construction.

I saw a dress with a bias cut bodice which was 21 inches across when laid flat and barely 17 when on a hanger. The skirt was quite heavy and when worn the waist seam migrated downwards, the bodice constricted and gave a feeling of suffocation, and distorted the anatomy in most disconcerting ways.

It was only prevented from causing slow asphyxiation by having a sturdy lining inserted to hold the weight of the skirt - at which point the bodice did become looser than intended and an extra inch had to be invented into the length.

With many garments the cut is only half the battle - you then need to know what is underneath the first layer.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Droid]

So, what's the deal with modern single color kilt hose? I bought some cream colored kilt hose at a Scottish fair shortly after getting my kilt. It wasn't until I started posting on these boards that I became aware that colored kilt hose seems to be the preferred way to go. Should I lose the cream colored plain knee high wool socks and get something more colorful?

[Dixiecat]

No - what happens is the fabric extends under the influence of gravity, and the horizontal measurements reduce. Bias cut fabric really is a whole different system of construction.

I saw a dress with a bias cut bodice which was 21 inches across when laid flat and barely 17 when on a hanger. The skirt was quite heavy and when worn the waist seam migrated downwards, the bodice constricted and gave a feeling of suffocation, and distorted the anatomy in most disconcerting ways.

It was only prevented from causing slow asphyxiation by having a sturdy lining inserted to hold the weight of the skirt - at which point the bodice did become looser than intended and an extra inch had to be invented into the length.

With many garments the cut is only half the battle - you then need to know what is underneath the first layer.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

Well, yes, gravity would do that with a dress or skirt, but I was thinking like sleeves and collars and such. That's what I thought was meant when using woven patterns with bias. My misunderstanding.

[JSFMACLJR]

So, what's the deal with modern single color kilt hose? I bought some cream colored kilt hose at a Scottish fair shortly after getting my kilt. It wasn't until I started posting on these boards that I became aware that colored kilt hose seems to be the preferred way to go. Should I lose the cream colored plain knee high wool socks and get something more colorful?

Yes! I won't go into the reasons why...that's what the search button is for, but white/cream coloured hose just look out-of-place.

[chrisupyonder]

Yes! I won't go into the reasons why...that's what the search button is for, but white/cream coloured hose just look out-of-place.

Just soak them in a bucket of strong tea or coffee. There's a thread on here somewhere about it. I used a about 10 tea bags with boiling water and let it brew for 10 mins then poured some cold water in so it was just warm then soak the hose in overnight. Wash in look warm water after and the colour stays.

[chrisupyonder]

Don't know much about knitting but I remember my mother knitting hose for my father on 4 needles to make a tube with no seam and then she cast a few stiches each row to make the toe, even shaped the heel by adding extra stitches on one side. They were only plain though.

[sockknitter]

That is correct, Chrisupyonder. Your mother would have knit in the round if she was knitting w/ one color. So - hose w/ cables and texture, or ribs would definitely be knit in that manner.

But when adding color, all bets are off, especially if it's necessary to use bobbins/butterflies. You might be able to knit some patterns in the round, but not all. Shepard's plaid? Maybe. Argyle/Tartan? knit it flat to the heel, then join in the round.

You were very observant of your mother's technique. She would be pleased!